Leaf
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Ventura CA
Leaf
Read a suggestion about drying your car using a leaf blower. Thought it was a great idea and tried it. It worked like a charm. However I have a question. Has anyone found that a gas powered leaf blower, which uses a gas oil mixture, leaves an oily residue when used? The exhaust of the blower comes out with the air that it’s blowing. So do I need to buy an electric blower? 
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 637
Likes: 0
From: Salem OR
I tried the leaf blower suggestion for the first time this weekend, and I was a little disappointed. I sheeted the water off the car first, but the blower still seemed to just break any drops into finer ones, and not scoot them off the car completely. I still had to towel dry the car, so it did not save me time, nor relieve me of touching the car with a towel. Is it an indication my car needs a wax?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
yup, you have to be careful with a gas operated blower in terms of where it discharges exhaust fumes... some vent them separately, others combine them in the blower to increase mph claims...
You do not want an unti that combines exhaust fumes in the blower
You do not want an unti that combines exhaust fumes in the blower
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
Originally Posted by maukavette
I tried the leaf blower suggestion for the first time this weekend, and I was a little disappointed. I sheeted the water off the car first, but the blower still seemed to just break any drops into finer ones, and not scoot them off the car completely. I still had to towel dry the car, so it did not save me time, nor relieve me of touching the car with a towel. Is it an indication my car needs a wax?
After blowing take a waffle weave microfiber and wipe carefully (same direction) or blot as possible. I have found another easy trick. Spritz each damp panel with a QD (Quick Detailer) as it will keep the finish slick and lubricated against scratches, adds protection and pop to the finish, and removes any water spotting in one move. I highly suggest looking at Poorboys Gloss and Shine, Pinnacle Crystal Mist, or FK1 425 as they all work wonderfully even on black.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 654
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach CA
Originally Posted by maukavette
I tried the leaf blower suggestion for the first time this weekend, and I was a little disappointed. I sheeted the water off the car first, but the blower still seemed to just break any drops into finer ones, and not scoot them off the car completely. I still had to towel dry the car, so it did not save me time, nor relieve me of touching the car with a towel. Is it an indication my car needs a wax?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 8,744
Likes: 2
From: The King of Bling
St. Jude Donor '10
Yes, you need an electric leaf blower so you do not get gas and oil residue on your paint. I have a Toro 220 mph and love it.
You can also follow up with a Waffle Weave from someplace like Pakshak. They have an awesome deal on some blems for 50% off (9 bucks) and the only thing I could find wrong was the stitching around the silk edge is not perfect for maybe a spot 1/2" long. Can't beat it IMHO.
http://www.ultramicrofiber.com/ also has some awesome deals on towels.
You can also follow up with a Waffle Weave from someplace like Pakshak. They have an awesome deal on some blems for 50% off (9 bucks) and the only thing I could find wrong was the stitching around the silk edge is not perfect for maybe a spot 1/2" long. Can't beat it IMHO.
http://www.ultramicrofiber.com/ also has some awesome deals on towels.
Last edited by agentf1; Feb 24, 2006 at 10:05 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,034
Likes: 11
From: Lewes DE
Originally Posted by maukavette
... the blower still seemed to just break any drops into finer ones, and not scoot them off the car completely.
I don't really see any advantage to "blowing" the car dry. I use the blower only on the wheels, lug holes, calipers and mirrors - places where a towel cannot reach. If you just do the "nozzle-less" rinse, you can easily get the few remaining drops off the car with 2 small waffle weave towels.
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